With the gradual improvement of the national pride project, the Beni–Jomsom–Korala Road, a major shift in tourist travel patterns has emerged in Nepal’s trans-Himalayan district of Mustang. Once a prime destination for air travelers, especially during peak tourist seasons, Jomsom Airport now experiences a noticeable decline in air passenger flow. This significant drop, nearly two-thirds, has been attributed to the improved accessibility via road transportation.
Before the operationalization and blacktopping of the Beni–Jomsom Road, more than 300 tourists would fly daily from Pokhara to Jomsom, mainly on small Twin Otter aircraft operating only in the morning hours due to challenging weather and terrain conditions. However, the bustling Jomsom Airport has quieted down considerably in recent times. Today, only a handful of passengers are seen waiting for their flights, a stark contrast to earlier scenes filled with trekking groups and pilgrims heading toward Muktinath.
According to Keshav Lamsal, Chief of Jomsom Civil Aviation Office, the road connectivity has directly influenced flight operations. “Before the Korala Road improvement began, there used to be up to 18 flights a day on this route. Now, many tourists prefer the road route instead,” he stated.
Approximately two-thirds of the Beni–Muktinath section has already been blacktopped, significantly easing travel. As a result, tourists now find it more convenient and cost-effective to journey by land. The onset of spring, a preferred time for Mustang travel, has further highlighted this shift, with tourists increasingly opting for overland transport.
Sujan Lalchan, Manager of Tara Airlines in Jomsom, confirms this trend. Previously, it was a struggle to arrange tickets for all interested travelers. Many tourists, especially Nepalese, locals, and staff, would often fail to secure a seat,” he said. “But now, if tourists do not pre-book a round-trip ticket, we are sometimes forced to send flights back from Jomsom to Pokhara empty.”
A similar view is echoed by Suman Thakali, the Jomsom Manager of Summit Airlines. He mentions that Indian tourists still tend to buy round-trip tickets for their Muktinath visits. In contrast, tourists from third countries often fly one way, preferring to descend by road. This asymmetry has led to decreased demand for flights departing from Jomsom.
The safety concerns of the Pokhara–Jomsom air route, which has seen several aviation incidents over the years, have also contributed to the decline. In response, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has imposed stricter regulations and increased monitoring, further limiting flights.
Another contributing factor is the cost-effectiveness of road travel. Travel agencies, which previously relied heavily on air bookings, now often shift travelers to road transport when flights are canceled. Doing so saves them up to half the airfare, providing an economic incentive to avoid air travel. As a result, the practice of booking air tickets and later arranging ground transport has become common, further reducing actual air travel.
Travelers also report greater satisfaction with the improved road infrastructure. The journey from Pokhara to Mustang has become more comfortable, vehicles are more readily available, and costs are significantly lower than airfare. This ease of access has prompted even residents, government staff, security personnel, and laborers to favor road travel.
Currently, only 5 to 6 flights operate daily between Pokhara and Jomsom, according to the Civil Aviation Office. Of the current passengers, 80% are Indian nationals and the remaining 20% are tourists from other countries. These numbers represent a stark contrast to previous years, when Mustang saw as many as 18 daily flights and heavy booking competition, especially during the tourist season.
Before the Beni-Korala Road came into operation, flights would be fully booked days in advance. Aircraft would be packed, primarily with foreign tourists, leaving domestic travelers struggling to find a seat. High and inconsistent ticket prices further discouraged Nepali travelers. In many cases, locals had to seek hospital or health post referrals just to obtain an emergency seat on flights.
Disparities in airfare pricing meant that foreigners often paid two to three times more than domestic travelers. As a result, airlines prioritized international bookings, denying local passengers unless under special circumstances. Flying to Jomsom from Pokhara once involved considerable effort, negotiation, and financial burden for domestic tourists.
However, the landscape has now completely transformed. The once vital Pokhara–Jomsom air link has ceded its dominance to the emerging Beni–Jomsom–Korala Road. With improved blacktop conditions, timely vehicle services, and reduced cost, more travelers, both local and international, are choosing the road over the skies.
This development underscores a broader shift in Nepal’s tourism landscape, where infrastructure improvements can reshape travel behaviors. While the aviation industry faces challenges in adjusting to reduced demand, the people of Mustang and travelers alike are benefiting from enhanced mobility, affordability, and access brought about by the expanding road network. As the remaining sections of the Korala Road near completion, the trend toward overland travel is expected to continue, bringing both opportunities and challenges for stakeholders in the tourism and aviation sectors.
